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Wondering how much money do you need to move to Portugal? The answer depends on where you choose to live and the lifestyle you prefer but you will need approximately €2,500–€3,000 per month for a couple to move and live comfortably outside Portugal’s major cities, though this can be higher in Lisbon or the Algarve, where housing and dining tend to cost more.
A single person can expect to budget around €1,600–€2,000 per month, including rent. It’s also wise to have substantial upfront savings for initial moving expenses such as deposits, flights, temporary accommodation, and setting up a new home.
Many relocation specialists recommend having up to one full year of living expenses saved, or even doubling your first-year budget, before moving to Portugal, to ensure a smooth transition.
How much does it cost to move to Portugal? A Cost of Living Breakdown
Portugal is generally affordable, but costs vary between big cities and smaller towns. Below is a quick breakdown of typical Portugal Cost of Living and monthly expenses to help you to know how much money do you need to move to Portugal and estimate your budget and understand what to expect when relocating.
Housing in Portugal
Accommodation is the biggest variable. Real estate in Portugal can vary widely depending on the city and neighborhood. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon averages around €940, while a larger family apartment can easily reach €1,600 or more. Prices are significantly lower in smaller cities or inland regions.
Utilities
Monthly utilities for an 85 m² apartment average around €115, covering electricity, gas, and water. Internet and mobile phone plans add another €20–€60 per month, depending on speed and provider.
Food
Supermarket and Groceries in Portugal are generally affordable. A single person might spend around €160–€250 per month on groceries, though broader monthly living expenses (including food, transport, entertainment, etc.) can reach €600–€700. Dining out is also budget-friendly, with a three-course meal for two averaging around €45.
Transportation
Public transportation is inexpensive and reliable. A single metro ticket typically costs under €2, and a monthly citywide pass is around €30–€40. Owning a car, however, can be expensive due to insurance, fuel prices, and maintenance.
Health Insurance in Portugal
While Portugal’s public healthcare (SNS) is accessible and affordable, many newcomers choose private health insurance for shorter wait times. Private Insurance plans generally range from €50–€150 per month, far below U.S. prices.
How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Portugal? Additional Budget Considerations
Initial Setup Costs
Moving abroad also comes with several one-time expenses such as flights, movers, rental deposits, utility connections, essential household purchases, and various administrative fees.
It’s wise to plan a budget equal to—or even double—your estimated first-year living costs. This gives you a financial cushion and ensures a smoother, stress-free transition into life in Portugal.
Immigration Legal Assistance
If you need legal support to help navigate and coordinate your immigration process, you can expect to pay between €2,000 and €5,000, depending on the scope of services included.
This may cover document preparation, application management, legal consultations, communication with authorities, and guidance throughout each stage of your relocation.
Portugal Visa Requirements
Income requirements vary depending on the visa you’re applying for. The Portugal D7 Visa requires proof of passive income of at least €920 per month for the main applicant.
The Digital Nomad (D8) Visa Portugal requires a monthly remote-work income of around €3,680, reflecting its focus on financially independent remote professionals.
The Portugal Golden Visa has no income requirement but instead requires a qualifying investment starting from €250,000, depending on the category you choose.
Renting in Portugal
Renting in Portugal can be competitive due to strong demand, especially in popular cities like Lisbon, Porto, and coastal areas. Properties tend to move quickly, so it’s important to act fast when you find something that fits your needs. The market favors prepared tenants who can provide documentation promptly, as homes often receive multiple inquiries within hours of being listed.
When it comes to costs, expect to pay upfront—typically two months of rent plus two deposits. Non-residents may also be asked for a Portuguese guarantor or several months of rent in advance. Most leases start with a minimum 12-month contract, but landlords usually prefer longer commitments, which can help increase your chances of approval.
Why Work With Us
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Your Questions Answered
What income do you need to live comfortably in Portugal?
A single person usually feels comfortable with $1,600–$2,200 per month, depending on the city. Couples often budget around $2,800–$3,500.
How much money do I need to move to Portugal from the US?
Most people prepare $10,000–$20,000 for initial setup costs—flights, deposits, temporary housing, and paperwork—including enough savings to meet visa requirements.
How much passive income do you need to move to Portugal?
For visas like the D7, the minimum monthly amount is €870 for a single applicant, tied to Portugal’s minimum wage. If you want to include your family member this amount may increase mor 50% for your partner and 30% per each children.
How much does a house in Portugal cost in US dollars?
Prices vary widely. In many regions, you’ll find homes from $200,000–$350,000, while Lisbon, Porto, and coastal hotspots can easily reach $500,000+.
Is it cheaper to live in Portugal or the USA?
According to Numbeo, living in Portugal is noticeably more affordable than in the United States, with overall consumer prices including rent being about 32% lower, and rent alone around 39% lower, which means daily expenses, housing, and general cost of living tend to stretch your budget much further in Portugal than in most U.S. cities.
Is healthcare free in Portugal for Americans?
Healthcare in Portugal isn’t completely free for Americans, but it’s very affordable. Once you have residency, you can access the public healthcare system with only small fees for most services. Many foreigners also choose private health insurance, which typically costs around €75–€100 per month, offering excellent value compared to the much higher prices in the U.S.
Can you live on $1000 a month in Portugal?
It’s possible in smaller towns or rural areas, but it’s tight. For a comfortable lifestyle, most people need more, especially in larger cities.
Is it better to rent or buy in Portugal?
It really depends on your long-term plans. Renting is a great option if you’re still getting to know different areas and want flexibility. Buying becomes more attractive if you plan to settle long-term or invest in property. Many expats start by renting for their first year while they go through the immigration process, and once they’re settled and familiar with the market, they often decide to invest in their own home.
What city in Portugal has the lowest cost of living?
Smaller interior cities like Braga, Évora, Coimbra, Viseu, and Castelo Branco tend to offer some of the lowest living costs while still providing good quality of life.
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